In a week marking publication of the Stern report into Climate Change and after last week's 10th annual Energy Saving Week, it has emerged that the home owner stream of the Department of Trade & Industry's micro-renewable energy grant scheme, the Low Carbon Buildings Programme, has run out of money - half way through the first of a three year programme.
The scheme was announced last November to replace the Clear Skies scheme to encourage conversion to green energy sources. Homeowners could get grants for up to 50% of the cost of installing environmentally friendly solar water heating systems or domestic-scale wind turbines for their homes.
Initial funding of £30 million was announced in November 2005, which was to be made available over three years. Of the £30 million, £6.5 million was allocated for the householder's stream - £3.5 million being allocated for the 2006-07 financial year, £2 million for the next year and £1 million the year after.
At the last budget, Gordon Brown announced an additional £50 million for the Low Carbon Buildings Programme but surprisingly none of this will be used to support homeowners. Instead, these funds will be used for installations in the public sector.
Mr Dunne said: "The Chancellor now likes to trumpet his environmental credentials. Last November he announced the Low Carbon Buildings Programme to help householders install renewable energy. We are 6 months into a 3 year year programme and funding for householders has already run out. I'm afraid this looks like another slim gesture designed to grab a headline rather than a serious commitment to changing environmental behaviour."
